Saturday, April 14, 2012

At Neel's Gap

Four days on the trail and I'm planted at the hostel at mountain crossing. Been hiking mostly alone, but have met up with Grans, Omaha, and a few others along the way. Thinking about getting the shakedown to lighten my load, but I'm not sure what to drop. Strongly considering letting go of my camera, as I'm just starting to feel the weight a little more. Still slow going on mileage, but I can feel myself getting better. Lots of photos below, an might be out of order. Includes Springer Mtn, Gooch Gap shelter, Blood Mountain Shelter, the hostel at Neel's gap.

Came across your blog from your post in Reddit. I am enjoying hearing about your hike and I hope that you both finish the trail and you keep the blog updated throughout. I had a question for ya, I was curious how crowded the trail has been for you. I know that most people have already started their hike by this point so I was curious how many people were still starting around this time.

In Georgia they had a bear canister rule, which forced people to the edges of the bear canister area. That's where I would see the most hikers at shelters, anywhere from 15-30. Outside of that, I haven't noticed it being too crowded. I've had anywhere from 5-15 in a shelter area with me. I know others who have had shelters to themselves. It's hard for me to judge what is busy, because this is all I've seen of the trail